Galileo, Darwin, and Hawking: The Interplay of Science, Reason, and Religion

ISBN
9780802826961

Publisher
William B Eerdmans Publishing Co

Author(s)
Phil Dowe

Overview

The history of the interaction between science and religion is fraught with tension, although, as philosopher Phil Dowe demonstrates, many thoughtful and religious people have also found harmony between these two crucial fields. This fascinating book insightfully surveys the relationship of science, reason, and religion, giving special attention to the most contentious topics -- cosmology, evolution, and miracles. Providing a superb introduction to the philosophy of science, Dowe's "Galileo, Darwin, and Hawking" contends that there are four basic ways to relate science and religion. Two of them, "naturalism" and "religious science," present these endeavors as antagonistic. By contrast, an "independence" view understands them as wholly unrelated. Finally, an "interaction" account sees religion and science as complementary -- perhaps even dependent on one another. Dowe finds this last perspective the most historically and philosophically compelling. He argues his case by exploring the history of science, highlighting the life and work of three scientific giants: Galileo Galilei, Charles Darwin, and Stephen Hawking.